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Allen Bradley plc is now controlling my 15 Gallion KEG Still
 Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/8/2012(UTC)
Posts: 30
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"I have programmed the logic in my plc and here are my first stripping run and then my 2nd run with 2 gal of alcohol and 3.5 gal of water. I'm not saying I am doing it all correctly so looking for comments for me to learn more. I collect data every 5 seconds and I have imported the number in to Excel, hince the chart. I am in the process of adding Wonderware so I can view and capture data and not need my pc connected while I am running. At this time all I have to do is press start and walk away.I DO see room for improvement so any comments or questions? 1st run [ATTACH=CONFIG]678[/ATTACH] 2nd run with 2 gal alcohol and 3.5 of water [ATTACH=CONFIG]679[/ATTACH] regars, joseph9936" joseph9936 attached the following image(s):  1st%20run.GIF (9kb) downloaded 0 time(s). 2%20gal%20of%20alcohol%20with%203%20and%20half%20gal%20of%20water%20run.GIF (13kb) downloaded 1 time(s).You cannot view/download attachments. Try to login or register.
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/8/2012(UTC)
Posts: 30
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I already know i have some issues but I went ahead and submitted the "not so perfect run" for discussion hoping talking thru it will answer lots of questions because I have the benefit of seeing data.
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 Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered, Moderator
Joined: 7/25/2009(UTC)
Posts: 2,209
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What specifically did you control with the PLC???
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/8/2012(UTC)
Posts: 30
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I have 2 thermocouple inputs. 1. vapor temp 2. keg temp
Outputs is 2 pumps. 1 on tower 2. on the output. ( that runs all the time in a seperate container than the tower water.)
The real benefit is being able to make changes and see the data that it directly relates to. one thing I am understanding is how long to reflux. Right now i just hit start and it will to continue to run until it reaches 194 degrees vapor or 210 KEG or I press stop. I work in Industrial Automation so its just all fun for me and I wrote all the code. I'm working on a graphical interface also. To add to it all I have a friend that is going to start up a process that has a 20 foot tower to make vodka also and i will write the code for that. Just having fun and sharing my data.
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered, Moderator
Joined: 7/25/2009(UTC)
Posts: 2,209
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"your fun is my hearts desire. What type of thermocouples are wired to the inputs?? I guess i would like to know what specific thermocouples the plc can see??
I have been trying to learn plc for a long time. I purchased a book that came with a disk. It is suposed to be on allen bradleys for beginners. The software has so many glitches in it that i cant get past the first 3 or 4 pages of the book. I shelved the book. I'm looking at something called a clic trainer by automationdirect, but my ignorance leaves me not really able to make a decision.
My plan with the plc was to do what you have done plus use a set of 4 3 way solenoids in series with the output of the liebig to separate fores, heads, hearts and tails using temperatures.
I have a PID that operates a DPDT mechanical relay. It switches the applied voltage from 240 to 120 when it senses heat at the base of the tower.
Thats it so far.
I am in process of mounting the volt and amp meters and PIDs in a plexiglass sheet for cosmetic reasons. I believe i can do what i want with PIDs but i just recently became aware of PLCs The ability of the PLC logic to be tweaked as i found necessary is what trapped my interest.
My ability may not be up to it. Im still trying to learn. :) :)"
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/8/2012(UTC)
Posts: 30
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Scotty,
I'll be happy to help in anyway possiable!!! What we can do is use my teamviewer and you can login and I will explain each step of the code. It's pretty easy and I have been doing it all my life. So let me know :-)
Theromocouple type? I used Type "J" but the plc can use any type. I used 10ms update time and then use a 1 second timer to calm the data down.
My next step is to use the solinoid valve thoughts but letting it soak in a little....:-)
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered, Moderator
Joined: 7/25/2009(UTC)
Posts: 2,209
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Tell me what to do so we can communicate please. I use K types with my PIDs but isnt a special type needed so the plc can read the temperatures as it scans-- I'm totally in the dark Joseph. Also should i see if i can aford a basic plc???
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/8/2012(UTC)
Posts: 30
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how long you be distilling? what do you make mostly?
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered, Moderator
Joined: 7/25/2009(UTC)
Posts: 2,209
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"Making wine for many years-- distillingfor a few. mostly make vodka but irish whiskey is my project. i have grains in stock forirish whiskey. im just coming out of a couple of years of misc health issues-- cancer, heart also 2 hips replaced. the chemo seems to hae done its job as the 3 stints have also. i'm a very fortunate 71 year old goat.
my obcessions are very slow fermenting and very slow distilling."
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered, Moderator
Joined: 7/25/2009(UTC)
Posts: 2,209
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"Joseph, i finally have my pid power controll re assembled. it seems that either i wired something in correctly or the auber unit no longer has the programing saved. it doesnt turn the mechanical relay on as soon as i apply power(this is what applus 220 to the heat element during the first part of heating the boiler))). I thought these little guys had eproms and woul hold the programing indefinitely.
i have to get my lazy butt out to the porch and go through the setup again.
I'll soon be begging for plc help."
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Allen Bradley plc is now controlling my 15 Gallion KEG Still
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